Home Accessibility Renovation for Households with Disabilities in China: International Practices and Policy Implications

Abstract

Background: Home accessibility modifications are crucial for promoting independent living and quality of life among persons with disabilities. While developed countries have established comprehensive policy frameworks, developing nations like China face unique challenges in program design and implementation. Objective: This study conducts a systematic comparative analysis of home accessibility modification policies across China, Japan, Germany, and Sweden, identifying key policy dimensions and proposing evidence-based recommendations for strengthening China's policy framework. Methods: We employed a multi-dimensional analytical framework examining legislative foundations, eligibility criteria, funding mechanisms, and service delivery models. Data were collected from primary legislation, governmental regulations, official statistics, and peer-reviewed literature. Results: Significant cross-national variations exist in policy approaches. Japan and Germany utilize social insurance models with standardized assessments, Sweden adopts a universal rights-based approach, while China employs a targeted assistance model focused on economically disadvantaged households. China completed 1.28 million household renovations during its 14th Five-Year Plan, demonstrating strong implementation capacity; future policy refinement could draw on international experience to strengthen assessment standardization, broaden effective coverage, and improve the sustainability of financing. Conclusions: China can benefit from international experience in developing standardized assessment protocols, diversifying funding mechanisms, and establishing professional service delivery systems, while acknowledging contextual constraints unique to developing country settings.